The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla was undoubtedly one of the royal highlights for many royal watchers across the Commonwealth.
To reflect this historical occasion, the Summer exhibition at Buckingham Palace puts the Coronation in the spotlight, displaying the outfits worn by the couple for the Coronation and we were lucky enough to attend a preview of the exhibition.
The summer exhibition at Buckingham Palace focuses on the Coronation. (TCC)
The coronation outfits of The King and Queen (RCT)
The centre piece of the exhibition is the outfits worn by Charles and Camilla to Westminster Abbey.
The King’s outfit features his Robe of Estate, which was worn by his grandfather George VI for his Coronation in 1937. It is made of purple silk velvet with gold lace. His Majesty’s cream silk overshirt and his Royal Naval Trousers were also on show.
Queen Camilla’s Coronation Dress was alongside His Majesty’s clothing; it was designed by one of her favourite couturiers, Bruce Oldfield.
It is covered with gold and silver embroidery of wildflowers: daisies, forget-me-nots, celandine and scarlet pimpernel flowers, interspersed with celebratory bunting. The hemline features UK’s floral emblems – a rose, a thistle, a daffodil and a shamrock.
Personal elements can be seen with Camilla’s cypher near the hem of the skirt, and two embroidered dogs to reflect her own rescue Jack Russells, Bluebell and Beth, as well as family names. Take an in-depth look at Camilla’s dress here.
Attached to the dress was The Queen’s Robe of Estate, which is made of rich purple velvet, designed and hand embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework using goldwork. This detail features the floral emblems of the UK and a further 20 plants chosen for their personal associations.
A close up of the embroidery on Camilla’s Robe of Estate (RCT)
No royal exhibition would be complete without a few sparkles and this one is no different. The Coronation necklace worn by Her Majesty Queen Camilla is also on display.
The necklace was originally made for Queen Victoria, and Queens since have worn the necklace at their retrospective Coronations.
Other highlights of the exhibition include some of the historic vestments worn by His Majesty as he was crowned, including the Coronation Glove, the Girdle (both were worn by George VI at his Coronation in 1937) and the Stole Royal, which was presented to The King by his eldest son, The Prince of Wales.
The invitation for the Coronation was also on display and featured the different stages of its design development, alongside the likes of the Coronation Chairs, the screen used during The King’s anointing and
The Diamond Jubilee State Coach used by Their Majesties was also seen. (TCC)
Just inside the entrance, visitors can see the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, which carried Their Majesties to Westminster Abbey for the Coronation.
The six-horse drawn carriage was initially to be made commemorate to mark Elizabeth II’s 80th birthday. However, it was delayed by nearly eight years, and instead used to commemorate her 2012 Diamond Jubilee. Originally, it was referred to the as the Britannia State Coach.
It is the newest coaches at the Royal Mews and provides a more comfortable ride for its passengers compared to other historic coaches.
You can book tickets for the exhibition here.
